Planning a new website or refreshing an existing one? You’ll likely team up with a website designer to make it happen. It’s an exciting process, but protecting your data is just as important as the design itself.
While it’s tempting to focus on visuals—layouts, fonts, and colors—the behind-the-scenes elements like logins, hosting accounts, and customer information need careful handling. Without the right steps, you could lose control of your online assets.
Here’s a simple guide to safeguarding your data when using web design services, no tech expertise needed.
Own Your Digital Assets
A common mistake is not owning the accounts tied to your website. Many businesses discover too late that their domain or hosting is registered under their designer’s name.
Suppose your designer offers to “handle it all.” They buy the domain, set up hosting, and launch the site using their own accounts. Legally, they own those assets. If the relationship ends or problems arise, regaining access can be a challenge.
Prevent this by registering these in your own name and email:
- Domain (e.g., Namecheap, Hover)
- Hosting (e.g., Bluehost, Kinsta)
- CMS accounts (e.g., Wix, Drupal)
You can share access with your designer, but always keep ownership. It’s like hiring a contractor to build your home—you wouldn’t let them hold the deed.
Be Clear on Access Needs
Your website designer will need access to certain tools to build your site. That’s standard. But before sharing credentials, ask what they need and why. They might request:
- Hosting access to upload site files
- CMS admin rights for design changes
- FTP access for backend updates
- DNS settings to connect your domain
These are normal, but they shouldn’t need personal passwords or financial details unrelated to the project. Use secure tools like LastPass or Keeper to share credentials, avoiding email or text. Better yet, create temporary accounts with limited permissions that you can remove later.
Always Use a Contract
Whether it’s a small gig or a major project, get everything in writing. A contract clarifies ownership, access, and what happens if things don’t work out. Include:
- Ownership of code and files: The site is yours once paid.
- Design rights: Custom work stays exclusive to you.
- Deliverables: Specify what you’ll receive (e.g., files, launched site).
- Exit terms: You keep work done if the project ends early.
Confirm that any stock images, plugins, or fonts are properly licensed to avoid legal issues later. If a designer resists signing a contract, that’s a red flag—find someone else.
Watch Out for Bundled Packages
Some web design services offer all-in-one deals: design, hosting, maintenance, and more. It sounds convenient, but it can limit your options. If everything’s tied to their platform, leaving could mean losing your site or rebuilding from scratch.
Ask these questions before signing:
- Can I move my site to another host?
- Do I own all files and content?
- What happens to my data if I cancel?
- Can I create my own backups?
Your site should be portable, so you can switch providers without major issues if your designer becomes unavailable.
Back Up Your Site Regularly
Always keep a copy of your site’s files and structure. Ask your website designer to show you how to back up—it’s often a simple process using a hosting tool or CMS plugin.
Back up:
- Before starting a redesign
- Before major updates
- After the site is complete
Store backups in secure cloud storage like Google Drive or iCloud, not just on your computer. If your designer manages updates, ensure they’re backing up, but keep your own copy for control.
Secure Accounts After the Project
Once the work is done, lock down your accounts. Change passwords, revoke unnecessary access, and check your admin panel for active users. Keep one primary login for yourself.
Request from your designer:
- All source files (e.g., logos, design assets)
- Logins for any third-party tools
- A list of where accounts are registered
This ensures you’re prepared if issues arise or you need to make changes later.
Stay Engaged, No Tech Skills Required
You don’t need to be a tech expert to work with web design services, but don’t go hands-off. Check in regularly, ask questions, and speak up if something feels off. A good Singapore web designer will explain things clearly and value your involvement. It’s your site and data—stay in charge.
Final Thought
Hiring a website designer can elevate your online presence, but don’t overlook your data. By owning your accounts, setting clear terms, and staying involved, you’ll get a great site and the confidence that it’s fully yours.
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